Bylaws

FFC Leadership   -   December 21, 2020

These bylaws shall function within the life of First Family Church of Ankeny, Iowa as rules of procedure.  Although the procedures have a biblical and theological basis, this is not a statement of faith.

Definitions:

“Church” All members, as defined below, of First Family Church of Ankeny, Iowa.

“Members” Anyone who is a member of First Family Church of Ankeny, Iowa, according to the process outlined in Article 3, Section 2.

“Charter Members” All of the members who voted to organize as First Family Church on September 12, 2004.

“Elder Board” All Elders (defined in Article 4, Section 1), who serve on the Elder Board.

 

Article One

Purpose

The purpose of this church shall be to glorify God, revealed as Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Scriptures.  This church shall obey Christ’s directive for the Church recorded in The Gospel According to Matthew 28:18-20.

 

Article Two

Core Beliefs

“You can learn more about these core doctrinal statements, as well as other areas of faith and practice that we affirm, in the Baptist Faith and Message 2000.” 

We believe the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, and the final authority in all matters of faith and conduct. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation. (Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 4:1-2; 17:19; Joshua 8:34; Psalms 19:7-10; 119:11,89,105,140; Isaiah 34:16; 40:8; Jeremiah 15:16; 36:1-32; Matthew 5:17-18; 22:29; Luke 21:33; 24:44-46; John 5:39; 16:13-15; 17:17; Acts 2:16ff.; 17:11; Romans 15:4; 16:25-26; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-2; 4:12; 1 Peter 1:25; 2 Peter 1:19-21.)

We believe in the Genesis account of a literal creation (Genesis 1:1).

We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This eternal triune God has distinct personal attributes in each person, but without division of nature, essence, or being. (Genesis 1:1; 2:7; Exodus 3:14; 6:2-3; 15:11ff.; 20:1ff.; Leviticus 22:2; Deuteronomy 6:4; 32:6; 1 Chronicles 29:10; Psalm 19:1-3; Isaiah 43:3,15; 64:8; Jeremiah 10:10; 17:13; Matthew 6:9ff.; 7:11; 23:9; 28:19; Mark 1:9-11; John 4:24; 5:26; 14:6-13; 17:1-8; Acts 1:7; Romans 8:14-15; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 4:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 11:6; 12:9; 1 Peter 1:17; 1 John 5:7.)

We believe in Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, and his deity, virgin birth, sinless life, vicarious death, burial and bodily resurrection, His ascension to the right hand of the Father and His personal future return in power and glory judge the world and to consummate His redemptive mission. (Genesis 18:1ff.; Psalms 2:7ff.; 110:1ff.; Isaiah 7:14; 53; Matthew 1:18-23; 3:17; 8:29; 11:27; 14:33; 16:16,27; 17:5; 27; 28:1-6,19; Mark 1:1; 3:11; Luke 1:35; 4:41; 22:70; 24:46; John 1:1-18,29; 10:30,38; 11:25-27; 12:44-50; 14:7-11; 16:15-16,28; 17:1-5, 21-22; 20:1-20,28; Acts 1:9; 2:22-24; 7:55-56; 9:4-5,20; Romans 1:3-4; 3:23-26; 5:6-21; 8:1- 3,34; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2:2; 8:6; 15:1-8,24-28; 2 Corinthians 5:19-21; 8:9; Galatians 4:4-5; Ephesians 1:20; 3:11; 4:7-10; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:13-22; 2:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; 3:16; Titus 2:13- 14; Hebrews 1:1-3; 4:14-15; 7:14-28; 9:12-15,24-28; 12:2; 13:8; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 3:22; 1 John 1:7-9; 3:2; 4:14-15; 5:9; 2 John 7-9; Revelation 1:13-16; 5:9-14; 12:10-11; 13:8; 19:16.)

We believe in the total depravity of man because of Adam’s original transgression of the command of God. His posterity ever since has inherited a nature and an environment inclined toward sin that can only be forgiven through divine salvation, which is by grace through faith in Christ, who by His own blood obtained eternal redemption for the believer. In its broadest sense salvation includes regeneration, justification, sanctification, and glorification. There is no salvation apart from personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Divine salvation makes believers eternally secure in Jesus Christ; they shall be kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. (Genesis 3:15; Exodus 3:14-17; 6:2-8; Matthew 1:21; 4:17; 16:21-26; 27:22-28:6; Luke 1:68-69; 2:28-32; John 1:11- 14,29; 3:3- 21,36; 5:24; 10:9,28-29; 15:1-16; 17:17; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 15:11; 16:30-31; 17:30-31; 20:32; Romans 1:16- 18; 2:4; 3:23-25; 4:3ff.; 5:8-10; 6:1-23; 8:1-18,29-39; 10:9-10,13; 13:11-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18,30; 6:19-20; 15:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-20; Galatians 2:20; 3:13; 5:22-25; 6:15; Ephesians 1:7; 2:8-22; 4:11-16; Philippians 2:12-13; Colossians 1:9-22; 3:1ff.; 1 Thessalonians 5:23- 24; 2 Timothy 1:12; Titus 2:11-14; Hebrews 2:1-3; 5:8-9; 9:24-28; 11:1-12:8,14; James 2:14-26; 1 Peter 1:2-23; 1 John 1:6-2:11; Revelation 3:20; 21:1-22:5.)

We believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. At the moment of regeneration, He baptizes every believer into the Body of Christ, and subsequently cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. (John 14:26–27).

We believe Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord. (Isaiah 2:4; 11:9; Matthew 16:27; 18:8-9; 19:28; 24:27,30,36,44; 25:31-46; 26:64; Mark 8:38; 9:43-48; Luke 12:40,48; 16:19-26; 17:22-37; 21:27-28; John 14:1-3; Acts 1:11; 17:31; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 15:24-28,35-58; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 1:5; 3:4; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-18; 5:1ff.; 2 Thessalonians 1:7ff.; 2; 1 Timothy 6:14; 2 Timothy 4:1,8; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 9:27-28; James 5:8; 2 Peter 3:7ff.; 1 John 2:28; 3:2; Jude 14; Revelation 1:18; 3:11; 20:1-22:13.)

We believe in the church as the body of Christ, which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation. The local expression of this is an autonomous congregation of believers who observe the two ordinances of baptism and communion and seek to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Its scriptural officers are elders/pastors and deacons. (Matthew 16:15-19; 18:15-20; Acts 2:41-42,47; 5:11-14; 6:3-6; 13:1-3; 14:23,27; 15:1-30; 16:5; 20:28; Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 3:16; 5:4-5; 7:17; 9:13-14; 12; Ephesians 1:22-23; 2:19-22; 3:8-11,21; 5:22-32; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:18; 1 Timothy 2:9- 14; 3:1-15; 4:14; Hebrews 11:39-40; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Revelation 2-3; 21:2-3.)

 

Article Three 

Membership

Section 1:  Requirements for Membership

First Family Church sees membership as the public recognition of and identification with the responsibilities that accompany belonging to the local body of Christ. In order to become a member at FFC we require that candidates share their conversion story with an elder and make three commitments to the Church body, which is normally through a class. These commitments are:  1. Membership is a gift and a responsibility. 2. Because I am a member of the body of Christ, I will strive to be a healthy, growing, functioning member. 3. I will seek to be a source of unity in my church.

Anyone who does not meet the requirements of this article will be denied membership. 

All persons uniting with this Church will be made acquainted with the Statement of Faith. 

Section 2:  Releasing Members

Any member may cease to be a member of this church for any of the following reasons:

  1.     A request for transfer of membership to another church is received.  The Elder Board     

      shall grant a release letter unless the member is under church discipline.  

B. The individual has been received as a member of another church and the Elder Board can confirm it.  A credible person other than the individual concerned may supply oral or written confirmation.

C. The member personally presents an oral or written request to cancel membership to any of the Elders.  A request to cancel membership is not subject to a decision of the Elders to become effective, provided that the member is not under church discipline. (cf. Article 3, Section 5G)  

D. The member dies.

E. Members may be removed from membership upon recommendation by the Elders. 

F. Members who are found to be inactive in the worship, fellowship, and ministry of the             Church may be removed from the membership roll. It is the responsibility of the Elder Board to remind members of their duties in this respect. However, the Church shall not suspend the membership of any person who is physically incapable of attending public meetings and affirms their desire to remain a member of the Church. 

Section 3:  Church Discipline and Membership

By definition, church discipline is a humbly, restorative action by which a church removes an unrepentant member from the benefits of the fellowship so that the church displays distinction, pursues purity, and provides protection, with the hope of lovingly drawing the sinning person to return in repentance (1 Cor. 5; Matthew 18:15-17). This step is only taken with a member after long appeals and loving overtures for repentance. (See also FFC’s position paper on Church Discipline.)

A. If after all private accountability attempts have been exhausted and the member remains unrepentant, the Elder Board shall inform the church that the member has been placed under discipline.

B. Once disciplined, the member will be removed from church membership and any             position of teaching or ministering unless and until they are formally restored by the Elders in accordance with item C of Section 3.

C. A removed member may be received again as a member if the Elder Board determines that he/she has repented of the offenses for which discipline was exercised.  

Section 4:  Membership Record

The Elder Board and/or other member(s) designated by the Elder Board shall periodically review the current church membership record to confirm that it accurately details the active membership and that any members currently under church discipline are accurately noted.

 

Article Four

 Church Officers

This church recognizes two primary groups of officers called Elders and Deacons who are selected from among the church’s membership (cf. Acts 20:17-35; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-3; Hebrews 13:17; et al. and see Sections 1 and 2 below). 

Section 1:  Elders

  1. Elders 

The Elders are the overseers (“shepherds”) of this local church (1 Peter 5:2).  The ministry of overseeing the congregation of First Family Church includes praying for the members of the congregation, individually and corporately; teaching sound doctrine (Titus 1:9); refuting false teaching (Titus 1:9); directing the affairs of the church (1 Timothy 5:17) and serving as an example of Christian life (1Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9).Together, the Elders, of whom the Lead Pastor is part, make up the Elder Board and share the responsibility and authority to give pastoral leadership in the church..  

The Elder Board shall also be responsible for reviewing candidates to serve in the office of Lead Pastor when such office is vacant.  Such review shall include the reviews noted in item B.3. of this Section.  The Elder Board will be responsible to present a recommendation to the members to fill the position of Lead Pastor.  Such candidate, excluding founding pastor, Todd Stiles, must be approved by at least 75% of the members in a regular or special meeting called by the Elder Board with at least two-week notice made available at a public meeting for the members.  

The Lead Pastor or his designee shall have responsibility for directing the accountabilities of the ministry staff.  If the office of Lead Pastor is vacant, the Elder Board will designate one of the Elders to direct the accountabilities of the ministry staff.  The Lead Pastor, or his designee, will moderate the Elder Body and all Church Meetings. If the office of Lead Pastor is vacant or the Lead Pastor is unavailable and has not appointed a designee, the Elder Board will designate one or more of the Elders to moderate the Elder Body and Church Meetings.  The Lead Pastor shall not be subject to items B.1. nor B.2. of the Elder Selection Process. The Lead Pastor will begin serving as an Elder on his hire date, and will continue to serve as an Elder as long as he continues to serve in the capacity of the Lead Pastor, subject to removal under item E. of this Section.

B. Elder Selection Process

  1. The Elder Board shall keep in mind known biblically qualified candidates to serve in the office of Elder. Such candidates may be recommended by any member of the church or may express personally their own desire to serve in this capacity (1Timothy 3:1).  If a candidate initially meets the biblical qualifications, is recognized by the elders as a potential candidate, and the candidate confirms their desire and interest in serving as an Elder, they may be asked to attend specific training classes and/or mentoring relationships as directed by the Elder Board.
  1. At least once each calendar year, the Elder Board shall review the need to add or replace Elders.  If the Elder Board determines that such a need exists, they shall prayerfully consider known biblically qualified candidates to fill the identified need.  
  1. All Elder candidates will proceed through the examinations listed below. 

 

    1. An initial oral interview with one or more designated Elders, to confirm their commitment to unity, humility and ability to lead, initial qualifications, and maturity to serve/minister to the church body.
    1. A written doctrinal review to confirm their capability to proclaim and defend the doctrines of the faith.
    1. An interview with the entire Elder Board centered on their written doctrinal statements. This interview may also be used to ask further questions about the candidate’s spiritual walk and family life, should there be more.
    1. A community review of at least three unrelated persons outside the church who have had the ability to observe their activities and are able to confirm that they have a good reputation and respect in the community.
    2. After the Elder Board is able to confirm the candidate’s commitment to unity and ministry, the candidate’s ability to defend the faith, and the candidate’s good reputation, the name(s) of the candidate(s) shall be published in a format available publicly for three consecutive weeks.  A candidate shall be introduced publicly during at least one publicly scheduled meeting. During the three-week period beginning on the first Sunday on which the candidate(s) name(s) are available publicly, the congregation shall have opportunity to approach any Elder and personally demonstrate a reason that a candidate should be denied to serve as an elder.  If such personal testimony is confirmed upon review of the Elder Board, the person shall be removed from candidacy and from the Official Elder Candidate list.

 

4. Once the steps in section B.3. have been completed and the Elders are unified that each man being considered meets the biblical requirements for an Elder, the man or men coming alongside the other Elders will join the rest of the Elder Board for the next period of congregational affirmation described in section C. 

C. Affirmation

Twice a year, all members of the Elder Board will be presented to the congregation for the purpose of on-going affirmation.  During this time, the congregation will be reminded of the biblical role, qualifications, and responsibilities of the office of Elder, and each Elder will be introduced to the congregation.  The congregation will also be reminded at these times of their on-going role to address conflicts or concerns in a manner consistent with Jesus’ instructions found in Matthew 18:15-20.  If personal testimony of reproachable behavior is brought forward and confirmed upon review of the Elder Board, the Elder in question will be removed from office and will be disciplined according to our defined process for church discipline.  If no such testimony is brought forward or such testimony is found to be either baseless or not in conflict with the qualifications of serving as an Elder as set forth in 1Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9, the man shall continue to serve as an Elder.

Names of all new Elders and Deacons will be communicated to the congregation in at least one regular Sunday morning service prior to the affirmation.  New Elders and Deacons will be installed within four weeks of completing their initial introduction for affirmation unless a testimony of reproachable behavior is confirmed. 

D. Tenure of Elders.

It is desired that a man commits to a minimum of three years of service as an Elder for his initial tenure. At the conclusion of a three-year term, an Elder may opt to serve an additional one-year term. There is no limitation to the number of years an Elder is allowed to serve as long as he continues to be congregationally affirmed as described in C. and desires to serve, subject to dismissal in accordance with Section E. 

When an elder steps down at the completion of a term, his time away from the Elder body will be no less than one year. 

 

E.Dismissal of an Elder.

An Elder can be dismissed from office at any time he is deemed to be disqualified.  Any accusation against an Elder must be brought to the Elder Board by two or more members (1 Timothy 5:19).  If the Elder Board determines that a fellow Elder is disqualified, he will be dismissed from the Elder Board.  

F. Elder Decision-Making Authority.

The Elder Board has the authority to carry out the responsibilities listed in Article 4, Section 1F of these bylaws.  All matters of church business will be under the decision-making authority of the Elder Board except where restricted in the following areas that require a congregational vote:

1. Appropriation of church funds for a capital expenditure in an amount that exceeds $100,000 (see “Church Meetings” Article 5, Section 3)

2.Filling the position of Lead Pastor.

Section 2:  Deacons

Deacons are biblically qualified men with proven, godly character who consistently serve the church under the authority of the Elder Body. It is not that these men only have special assignments, though at times they might; it is, instead, that these men have regular assignments and serve the physical areas of the church consistently as a model of faithfulness and humility.  (See Acts 6:1-7; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; et. al.)

 

  1. Recommendation of Prospective Deacons. A member may be recommended by the Elder Board, by any church member, or by himself.

 

  1. Qualifications for Deacons. Deacons must meet the qualifications listed in 1 Timothy 3:8-13.  The Elder Board will evaluate a prospective Deacon and determine whether he meets the listed qualifications. If the Elder Board determines that he is not qualified to serve as a Deacon, he cannot be appointed.

 

  1. Appointing Deacons. To appoint Deacons, the Elder Board will review interested and potential candidates regularly in conjunction with the current deacons. Any person appointed to be a Deacon will go through the affirmation process described in Section 1.C.

 

  1. Tenure of Deacons. Deacons are free to serve as a deacon so long as they are biblically qualified, consistently serving, and their desire to continue to serve in the capacity of a Deacon is evident and affirmed by the Elder Board.

 

  1. Dismissing a Deacon. A Deacon can be dismissed from office by the Elder Board at any time he is deemed to be disqualified.

 

  1. Deacon Responsibilities. Deacon responsibilities consist of the physical areas of the church; these are the needs which they are set apart and in which they consistently serve with godly character. Deacons share in the responsibility to identify needs or special assignments that may require the addition of more Deacons, or a realignment of responsibilities among the Deacons already serving.

 

Article Five

Church Meetings

Section 1:  Purpose

Church meetings are a forum for the Elder Board to communicate with the church. These meetings are also for the church to vote on items in which the authority of the Elder Board is restricted.

Section 2:  Scheduling

A. Church meetings will be scheduled as deemed necessary by the Elder Board. A list of decision items for which a church vote is necessary or desired should be made available to members at least one week in advance of that meeting unless a longer period of notice is required for an item addressed in these bylaws.

B. Special church meetings may be called at any time by the Elder Board.  If a church vote is needed or desired in any special church meeting, a list of items for vote must be made available at least one week prior to that meeting, unless a longer period of notice is required for an item addressed in these bylaws.

C. Emergency meetings may be called by the Elder board without previous notice to the church for purposes of dealing with urgent matters pertaining to health, safety, security, and structural integrity of the church facility. 

Section 3:  Voting

When the church meets to vote, the following definitions and guidelines shall apply, unless specified otherwise in these bylaws.

A. Quorum

1. A quorum of this church is 10% of the members.  

2.A majority of the Elder Board must be present when the church meets to vote.

B. Moderator

The moderator for a church meeting may be the Lead Pastor, another Elder or any willing member appointed by the Elder Board.  

C. Procedure

1.Votes of the church can be taken either by a show of hands or by written ballot at the discretion of the moderator of the church meeting. Voting by proxy shall not be allowed.  An absentee vote will not be accepted unless the Elder Board approves it.  A decision to allow absentee voting must be made by the Elders at least two weeks before a vote is to be taken and reasonable attempts should be made to inform the congregation of this change to voting procedure.

2.A simple majority vote of a quorum of members is needed to approve an item in a regular or special church meeting, unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws.  The Elder Board reserves the right to table a decision for an indefinite period of time or require a higher percentage of approval than otherwise noted in these bylaws to preserve the unity of the church.

Section 4:  Rules of Order

A. An agenda shall be provided for any church meeting.  

B. The moderator will recognize those who wish to address the church meeting.

C. The moderator may limit discussion after a reasonable amount of time has been allowed for every person wishing to comment on a motion.

D. All votes shall be decided by a simple majority unless otherwise indicated in these bylaws.

 

Article Six

Finances

Section 1:  Church Finance Team

The Church Finance Team shall be comprised of at least one non-staff Elder, at least one deacon, and two church members appointed by the Elders.  They shall work in cooperation with the Elder Board to accomplish the following: 

  1. Review the systems and procedures for handling of funds to assure that the finances of the church are managed in a way such that the risk of improper use of funds is appropriately minimized.
  2. Produce monthly financial statements as requested by the Elder Board.
  3. Formulate and present a budget to the Elder Board as described in Section 2.

Section 2:  Budget Formulation

By September 1 of each year, the Church Finance Team shall request detailed budget proposals from those responsible for lines in the budget.  These proposals shall itemize all proposed expenditures for the next calendar year.  The budget proposals shall be due by October 1.  These proposals shall be reviewed by the Elders and those responsible for overseeing church finances prior to a formal recommendation to the church.

Section 3:  Annual Budget Approval

The Church Finance Team shall cooperate with the Elders to formulate a final budget as approved by the Elder Board.  The Church Finance Team shall also support the Elders in making a formal budget presentation to the church as described in our financial guidelines.   

Section 4:  Subsequent Church Action

No amendment to the budget can occur until the member(s) responsible for the line item affected has had an opportunity to consider the matter.  If delaying the action would result in substantial spiritual or financial loss, the Elder Board may amend the budget at any regular or special meeting and notify those affected as soon as practicable.

Section 5:  Other Financial Matters

The Church Finance Team shall maintain an accurate list of financial responsibilities and those who are assigned those tasks.

 

Article Seven

Amendments

Bylaws may be amended at any regular or special church meeting.  An amendment may be proposed by any member of the church.  A written copy of the proposed amendment must be given to the Elder Board at least two weeks before the church meeting.  If the Elder Board approves the proposed amendment, a copy shall be made available to every member of the church at least one week prior to the church meeting.Appendix I.

Statement on Marriage and Sexuality

 

We believe that term “marriage” has only one meaning and that is marriage sanctioned by God which joins one man and one woman in a single, exclusive union, as delineated in Scripture.

 

We believe that God intends sexual intimacy to only occur between a man and a woman who are married to each other. We believe that God has commanded that no intimate sexual activity be engaged in outside of a marriage.

 

We believe that any form of sexual immorality, such as adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bisexual conduct, bestiality, incest, pornography or any attempt to change one’s sex, or disagreement with one’s biological sex, is sinful and offensive to God.

 

We believe that in order to preserve the function and integrity of the church as the local Body of Christ, and to provide a biblical role model to the church members and the community, it is imperative that all persons employed by the church in any capacity, or who serve as volunteers, should abide by and agree to this Statement on Marriage and Sexuality and conduct themselves accordingly.

We believe that God offers redemption and restoration to all who confess and forsake their sin, seeking His mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

 

We believe that every person must be afforded compassion, love, kindness, respect, and dignity. Hateful and harassing behavior or attitudes directed toward any individual are to be repudiated and are not in accord with Scripture nor the doctrines of the church.

 

Appendix II.

Conflict of Interest Policy

All trustees, officers, agents, and employees of First Family Church shall disclose all real or perceived conflicts of interest that they discover or that have been brought to their attention in connection with this organization’s activities. 

A “conflict of interest” occurs where a person is responsible for promoting the interest of the ministry at the same time he or she is involved in a competing personal interest (financial, business, personal, or relational). 

“Disclosure” shall mean providing properly, to the appropriate person, a written description of the facts comprising the real or apparent conflict of interest. An annual disclosure statement shall be circulated to trustees, officers, and certain identified agents and employees to assist them in considering such disclosures, but disclosure is appropriate and required at any time conflicts of interest may occur. 

The written notices of disclosures shall be filed with the Elders or such other person designated by the Elders to receive such notifications. At the meeting of the Elders, all disclosures of real or perceived conflicts of interest shall be noted for the record in the minutes. 

An individual trustee, officer, agent, or employee who believes that he or she or an immediate member of his or her immediate family might have a real or perceived conflict of interest, in addition to filing a notice of disclosure, must abstain from 

  1. participating in discussions or deliberations with respect to the subject of the conflict (other than to present factual information or to answer questions), 
  2. using his or her personal influence to affect deliberations, 
  3. making motions, 
  4. voting, 
  5. executing agreements, or 
  6. taking similar actions on behalf of the organizations where the conflict of interest might pertain by law, agreement, or otherwise.

At the discretion of the Elder Board, a person with a real or perceived conflict of interest may be excused from all or any portion of discussion or deliberations with respect to the subject of the conflict. 

A member of the Elder Board, who, having disclosed a conflict of interest, nevertheless shall be counted in determining the existence of a quorum at any meeting in which the subject of the conflict is discussed. The minutes of the meeting shall reflect the individual’s disclosure, the vote thereon, and the individual’s abstention from participation and voting. 

The Elders shall ensure that all trustees, officers, agents, employees, and independent contractors of the organization are made aware of the organization’s policy with respect to conflicts of interest.

Updated: 12/2020

Elders:

  • Ed Gregory
  • Edgar Cabrera
  • Scott Helm
  • Dale Hight
  • Todd Stiles
  • Travis Walker